This document discusses diversionary devices, also known as flashbangs. It provides a history of their use, describes different types of devices, and outlines guidelines for their proper and safe deployment. Specifically, it details flashbangs' tactical uses in hostage rescue operations in Entebbe, Uganda in 1976 and Mogadishu, Somalia in 1977. It also provides specifications and deployment considerations for several commercial flashbang models.

1. Diversionary Devices

2. Diversionary Devices
•When used properly are an excellent
tactical tool
•Create a loud report and a brilliant light
• May disorient/ confuse
•Are not a good substitute for good tactics

3. History
 First Generation
 Military Training Simulators
 Second Generation
 Powerful devices
 Designed for Anti-terrorist Use
 Entebbe
 Mogadishu
 Prince’s Gate, London
 Air France Operation

4. Entebbe 1976
 1976 Raid on Entebbe " Operation
Thunderbolt" On June 27, an Air France
jetliner was hijacked to Entebbe, Uganda
Jewish and Israeli passengers were separated
from the rest of the captives. The terrorists
threatened to begin killing the hostages on
the evening of July 4. In a daring commando
operation, Israeli forces traveled 2,000 miles
and landed at the Entebbe airport. They
stormed the building the hostages were held
in. They flashed banged the rooms & rescued
the hostages and killed the terrorists.

5. Mogadishu 1977
 A Palestinian hijack of a Lufthansa airliner
in Mogadishu ended when German
commandoes storm the plane. They threw
flash bangs into the cockpit. Three
hijackers are killed and 86 hostages are
freed.

6. Iranian Embassy
 In 1980 the world watched as gunmen
held 26 people hostage at the Iranian
embassy in London. After a six-day stand-
off the SAS launched a dramatic attack on
the hostage-takers. Using explosives and
flashbangs they cleared the large building
rescuing the hostages

7. Current Generation
 Manufactured Commercially
 Intended for law enforcement use
 Reduce possibility of injuries
 Contain powder mixture

8. Type Of Devices
 Bursting Canister
 Non metal canister which bursts during ignition.
Fuse detonator assembly can become projectile.
 Separating Sub munitions
 Non metal Canister which separates from fuse
detonator assembly prior to main detonation.
 Non-Bursting Canister
 Steel canister with “ports” which allow a
controlled flash

9. OMNI BLAST 100
The Omni-Blast 100 tactical distraction
device is one of a few bursting canister
devices on the police and corrections
market.
The Omni can be used as a primary device
or as an alternative in certain situations.
It consists of a weighted fuse detonator
assembly and a flash powder charge in a
polypropylene canister.
Size 1.5“ Dia. 8“ High
Weight 10 Ounces
Powder Weight 300 Grains
Decibel Output 170-175db/5ft
Time delay. 07-2 Seconds

10. Def-Tec MK-25
 Non-Bursting Canister
 Defense Technology-Federal Labs Multi-
Port Plus
 1.3 lb (589 grams) Gun Steel Body
 1.5 second fuse delay
 174.5 dB at 5 feet (1.6 meters)
 6 - 8 Million Candela
 Reusable body with reloaded fuse.
Optional safety clip for fuse, and command
initiated reloads.

11. CTS Model 7290
 Combined Tactical Systems Model 7290
 1.1 lb. (550 grams) Steel body
 1.5 second fuse delay
 175 dB at 5 feet (1.6 meters)
 2.5 Million Candela
 Single use body. Optional safety clip for
fuse, and command initiated reloads.

12. UPCO Model 1750
 Model 1750 Diversionary Device
 174db Sound at 5ft.
 2,300,00 Candle Power

13. Characteristics
 Heat: Approx. 2700 degrees cent
 Sound: 170-185 dB
 Candella: 2 million candle power
 Overpressure

14. Criteria For Use
 Whenever a diversion is needed to make
entry or arrest
 And it is judged safe to deploy
 In life threatening situations
 And/or felony suspected felony incidents

15. Pre-deployment concerns
 Protective and deployment equipment
 Fire potential
 Children & the elderly
 Chemicals and/or Flammables
 Exterior use
 Exterior Disposal

16. Protective Equipment
 Helmet
 Nomex Balacava
 Hearing Protection
 Eye Protection
 Body Armor
 Nomex Gloves
 Long Sleeves

17. Fire Potential
 The Fire potential with distraction devices is
very high
 Have a fire extinguisher ready
 Check for possible ignition

18. Children & elderly
 Due to possible injury, Distraction devices
should not be use if Children and or elderly
bystanders are present.

19. Deployment
 Prep Safety Pin
 Safely stored until needed
 Cover officer in place
 Spoon placement in hand (spoon in web
of hand)
 Remove pin ONLY when about to deploy

20. Cover Visualize target area Toss

21. Devices should be thrown under hand, arching to the target area

22. Deployment (cont.)
 Control the device
 I.D. target area
 Subjects and/or combustibles
 Device failure plan
 Entry upon initiation
 Re-pin if needed

23. Post-Deployment
 Medics
 Medic must be available during ops which
devices could be deployed.
 Collect evidence
 Device accountability
 “Control” Deployment
 Debrief
 Document device use

24. Documentation
 Use of force issue
 Departmental policy detailed report
 Photos and/or video
 Medical screening
 Diversionary device log

25. Legal Aspect
 Anticipate Testifying
 Courts Scrutiny of:
 Department Policy
 Knowledge & training
 Justification for use
 Planning and safeguarding
 Deployment
 Post-Deployment actions
 Documentation

26. Case Law
 Langford Vs. Gates
 Smalley Vs. Minneapolis
 Garcia Vs. Texas
 United States Vs. Myers

27. Conclusion
 When used properly diversionary devices
are an excellent tool for use by Law
Enforcement personnel